About the Project
Supervisors:
Dr Nigel Ternan
Prof Paul McCarron
Project Description
Chronic wounds are a persistent burden in primary healthcare and biofilms formed by the opportunistic pathogen P. aeruginosa contribute to bacterial colonisation, persistent inflammation and impairment of healing in wound infections.. During pathogenesis, P. aeruginosa grows primarily as biofilms that provide protection from host defences and antibiotics. Microbial cell-to-cell communication plays a crucial role for maturation of biofilms into a complex three-dimensional architecture. Many host-associated bacteria use chemical signals to monitor their own species population density and coordinate traits such as virulence, toxin production, invasion, etc, in a phenomenon known as quorum sensing. In Gram negative bacteria capable of quorum sensing, a variety of N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) are employed as the primary signalling compounds.
Intriguingly, certain structurally similar compounds possess AHL-antagonistic activity. Halogenated furanones from the marine alga Delisea pulchra interfere with the AHL regulatory system in several Gram-negative bacteria and a rational approach is therefore to assess the potential of such furanones as quorum sensing inhibitors. Development of novel non-antibiotic drugs to attenuate bacterial virulence will enable easier pathogen eradication, and it is in wound healing and management specifically that we see a potential benefit of such an approach. We hypothesise that delivery of QS antagonists will allow prevention of biofilm development in in vitro biofilm and wound models:
The work to be carried out in this PhD project specifically aligns with the recent UKRC themes in the area of antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic stewardship, specifically “reducing unnecessary antimicrobial use” and “accelerating therapeutics”. We seek a student who is enthusiastic, prepared to work hard and who has good laboratory experience and working knowledge of molecular biology. A background degree in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, microbiology or related subjects is required.
Informal enquiries to Dr Ternan ([Email Address Removed]) are welcomed
NB: This project is also available on a self-funded basis
References and additional links
For more information on this project, the supervisory team and graduate studies at Ulster, please visit
http://www.science.ulster.ac.uk/gradschool/biomedical/
How to apply for this project:
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/phdresearch-degrees/how-to-apply
Closing date for Applications is 24 February 2017.
Funding Notes
The Department for the Economy (DfE) (formerly called Department for Employment and Learning (DEL))
The University has DfE research studentships available for PhD projects. These pay tuition fees and an annual maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum. These awards are open to holders of, or those expected to obtain, first or upper second class honours degrees and cover fees at the home rate and, for applicants with UK residence only, a maintenance allowance. Non-UK residents who hold ordinary EU residence may also apply but, if successful, will receive fees only. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate box on their University application form that they wish to apply for a DfE award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for DfE awards, including eligibility, can be found here: DfE Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017
Vice-Chancellor's Research Scholarships (VCRS)
A number of University funded VCRS will be available for PhD projects at Ulster. These awards are open to applicants who hold or, expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree. They will cover tuition fees and a maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum for three years. Applications are invited from UK, European Union and overseas students. Applicants with up to one year’s current or previous registration for PhD at any institution may be considered for an award subject to the applicant providing evidence of good academic progress, formal release from all IP restrictions and ethical approval (if required). Three-year awards may be allocated to such applicants where they are taking-up a new project at Ulster. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate area on their University application form that they wish to apply for a University Studentship/VCRS award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for VCRS awards, including eligibility, can be found here: VCRS Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017
Continue with Facebook
